Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Spaghetti Salad! It’s the perfect blend of refreshing flavors and vibrant colors, making it ideal for any gathering. Picture this: tender spaghetti tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese that just elevates everything. What I love most about this salad is its versatility—you can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it always tastes fantastic! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, this Spaghetti Salad will be a hit at your next picnic or BBQ!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved for that sweet burst of flavor)
- 1 cucumber (diced for a refreshing crunch)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, any color will do, but I love the sweetness of red!)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced for a zesty kick)
- 1/4 cup olives (sliced, choose your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled for that creamy, salty goodness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for rich flavor)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (for a tangy twist)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (to add a hint of Italian flair)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, don’t be shy!)
How to Prepare Spaghetti Salad
Making this Spaghetti Salad is a breeze, and I promise it will become a staple in your summer meal rotation! Let’s break it down step by step, shall we?
Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, grab a pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt—this helps flavor the spaghetti. Toss in your 8 oz of uncooked spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander, but here’s the trick: rinse it under cold water! This stops the cooking process and cools it down, which is key for our salad.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your beautiful diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. I like to mix these first so the flavors can start mingling. Now, gently add the cooled spaghetti to this colorful medley. Use a large spoon to toss everything together—be careful not to break the spaghetti too much; we want it to stay nice and long!
Making the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Taste as you go! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking—don’t be afraid to add a little more vinegar for tang or oil for richness. Once it’s just right, pour the dressing over the salad and give it another good toss to coat everything evenly.
Chilling the Salad
Now, here comes the hardest part: patience! Cover your salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets all those flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final toss and maybe add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few extra olives for a pop of color. Enjoy your refreshing Spaghetti Salad at your next get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days!
- Bright, fresh flavors that scream summer!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs.
- Healthy and satisfying, loaded with nutrients.
- Ideal for make-ahead meals—great for picnics and potlucks!
- Everyone loves it—kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
To really make this Spaghetti Salad shine, don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables—zucchini, artichokes, or even a handful of spinach work wonders! If you like it tangy, feel free to add more red wine vinegar to the dressing; I promise it enhances the flavor beautifully. And remember, this salad can be made a day in advance, so prep it ahead of time to let those flavors deepen. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up this Spaghetti Salad! For a different twist, try adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a warm touch. You can also mix in some protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it more filling. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really elevate the flavor, too. And don’t forget about adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch! Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of your Spaghetti Salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days! No need to reheat; this salad is delicious served cold. If you find it’s a bit dry after chilling, just add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving to refresh those flavors!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. On average, one serving of this Spaghetti Salad contains around 250 calories, 12g of fat, 7g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Spaghetti Salad?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well, just be sure to cook it according to package instructions since it can vary in timing.
How long can I store leftovers of Spaghetti Salad?
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious!
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, different veggies, or even nuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Spaghetti Salad is perfect for meal prep—just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For information on the health benefits of olive oil, you can visit Healthline.